Uniform

Students in Thailand are required to wear a uniform that varies depending on the school and level of education. I have enjoyed wearing the uniform so far, though it is not required for the Thai Studies program I am in. From what I hear, most Thai students at Thammasat University aren't so fond of the clothing requirement, I think because they have been wearing it during their entire school career. I'm not entirely sure why the uniform is so important in this country, but I do feel like it creates a sense of scholarship. I don't think about what to wear in the morning, and I don't compare my uniform with those of my peers. I can't imagine such a policy in the US, as I'm sure students would maintain their right to express their individuality through clothing. Based on my experiences with Thai culture thus far, I think blending in is more acceptable because it shows a sense of unity.

Wat Pho

This morning I visited Wat Pho, originally named Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawiharn, which is Bangkok's oldest temple. It also houses original inscriptions of traditional Thai medicine and massage, along with monks that perform massage for a reasonable fee. I shall definitely go back before I leave Bangkok! Since we are students and don the standard university student uniform (white button-up and black skirt), we get in for free even though we are mostly farang (foreigners). Most non-Thai people are expected to pay 50 baht upon entry, and then are encouraged to pay for a tour guide starting at 200 baht. There were a lot Thai and non-Thai people inside the temple grounds, especially near the Reclining Buddha. Young students were dropping 25 satang pieces (about a penny) into bowls that line the inside of the temple. I wasn't sure what to think of how the temple to encourages children to pay as a sign of respect, since they are also making money off of tourists and souvenirs. I am interested in the symbolism behind their donations, as spending money seems to coincide with faith in many ways here. I guess most religious organizations expect some sort of tithing in order to keep structures well staffed and renovated as necessary.

Mmmm, smells like fried maggots and heart disease!

I've lived in my 3J apartment for 32 days and still haven't gotten over the aromas that waft into my 2nd story bathroom window. Fried food, specifically. For the most part, meat on the street is fried heavily, so it tastes absolutely great but promises high cholesterol and fat. Fried chicken, pork, beef, fish, shrimp, intestines, eggs, noodles, rice, maggots, grasshoppers, frogs, crabs, roaches, scorpions, bananas, squash... and countless items I haven't learned yet. At home in the US, I try to steer away from fried food in any form (except for the occasional donut). Here, it's become a staple in my diet. Yes, I even eat maggots! Although I haven't seen this dietary change manifest itself in excess weight (yet, likely due to smaller portions and constant sweating), I can imagine the blood pressure in my arteries is less forgiving! I shall eat less fried food, though I will continue to enjoy the smell of it in my bathroom.